ABSTRACT Microplastics are generated by the fragmentation of plastic that enters the oceans and is accidentally consumed by various species in the trophic chain. Otariids are considered bioindicators of the presence of microparticles in the environment; however, the level of impact in the coastal area of the Bio-bío region, Chile, is unknown. The aim of this work was to evaluate the presence of this polymer in faeces of sea lions (Otaria flavescenses), in the ‘La Poza’ sector, commune of Talcahuano, Bio-bío region. Stool samples were collected, freeze-dried, digested and subsequently filtered to identify microplastics. Microfibres of various colours were found, with a predominance of black. It is concluded that sea lions were indicators of the circulation of microplastics in their food chain in the sampling area.

RESUMEN Los microplásticos se generan por la fragmentación del plástico que ingresa a los océanos y es consumido accidentalmente por diversas especies que se encuentran en la cadena trófica. Los otáridos son considerados como bioindicadores de la presencia de micropartículas en el ambiente; sin embargo, se desconoce el nivel de afectación en la zona costera de la región del Bio-bío, Chile. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar la presencia de este polímero en heces de lobos marinos (Otaria flavescens), en el sector ‘La Poza’, comuna de Talcahuano, región del Bio-bío. Se tomaron muestras de heces que fueron liofilizadas, digeridas y posteriormente filtradas para identificar microplásticos. Se encontraron microfibras de varios colores, con predominio del color negro. Se concluye que los lobos marinos fueron indicadores de circulación de microplásticos en su cadena trófica en la zona de muestreo.

Abstract This study aims to analyze the protective and destructive critical processes of 34 water women in the municipalities of Cabo de Santo de Agostinho and Ipojuca, Pernambuco, Brazil, from February/21 to August/22. The work process stages were systematized by the work flowchart, and we employed Breilh’s critical processes matrix to organize the data. The destructive processes identified in the general domain were injustice and socio-environmental vulnerability, such as the economic development model, the Suape Industrial Port Complex, the 2019 oil spill crime disaster, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the difficult access to public policies; in the particular domain: overloads and extended working hours, use of rudimentary equipment and tools, and unequal gender, class, and race relationships; in the singular domain: physical and mental illnesses and deaths. The protective processes identified in the general domain were sustainable development objectives, public health, and social assistance policies; in the particular domain, group work and processing, consumption for subsistence; in the singular domain, fishing as a therapeutic, pleasurable, and sharing process. The study highlighted the central issues of the water women and the need to establish public policies targeting their care.

Resumo Objetivou-se analisar os processos críticos, protetores e destrutivos do trabalho de 34 mulheres das águas nos municípios de Cabo de Santo de Agostinho e Ipojuca (PE), de fevereiro de 2021 a agosto de 2022. As etapas do processo de trabalho foram sistematizadas pelo fluxograma do trabalho e organizadas na matriz de processos críticos de Breilh. Os processos destrutivos, no domínio geral, foram: injustiça e vulnerabilização socioambiental como modelo de desenvolvimento econômico, o Complexo Industrial Portuário de Suape, o desastre-crime de petróleo ocorrido em 2019, a pandemia de COVID-19 e dificuldade de acesso às políticas públicas; no particular: jornadas e sobrecargas de trabalho, uso de equipamentos e ferramentas rudimentares e relações desiguais de gênero, classe e raça; no singular: adoecimentos físicos, mentais e mortes. Os processos protetores, no domínio geral: os objetivos de desenvolvimento sustentável, políticas públicas de saúde e assistência social; no particular: trabalho e beneficiamento em grupo, consumo para subsistência; no singular: a pesca como processo terapêutico, prazeroso e de partilha. O estudo destacou os problemas centrais das mulheres das águas e a necessidade do estabelecimento de políticas públicas voltadas ao seu cuidado.

Resumo Objetivou-se analisar os processos críticos, protetores e destrutivos do trabalho de 34 mulheres das águas nos municípios de Cabo de Santo de Agostinho e Ipojuca (PE), de fevereiro de 2021 a agosto de 2022. As etapas do processo de trabalho foram sistematizadas pelo fluxograma do trabalho e organizadas na matriz de processos críticos de Breilh. Os processos destrutivos, no domínio geral, foram: injustiça e vulnerabilização socioambiental como modelo de desenvolvimento econômico, o Complexo Industrial Portuário de Suape, o desastre-crime de petróleo ocorrido em 2019, a pandemia de COVID-19 e dificuldade de acesso às políticas públicas; no particular: jornadas e sobrecargas de trabalho, uso de equipamentos e ferramentas rudimentares e relações desiguais de gênero, classe e raça; no singular: adoecimentos físicos, mentais e mortes. Os processos protetores, no domínio geral: os objetivos de desenvolvimento sustentável, políticas públicas de saúde e assistência social; no particular: trabalho e beneficiamento em grupo, consumo para subsistência; no singular: a pesca como processo terapêutico, prazeroso e de partilha. O estudo destacou os problemas centrais das mulheres das águas e a necessidade do estabelecimento de políticas públicas voltadas ao seu cuidado. Objetivouse Objetivou se 3 PE, PE , (PE) 202 2022 Breilh geral econômico Suape desastrecrime desastre crime 2019 COVID19 COVID 19 COVID-1 particular gênero raça singular físicos mortes sustentável social grupo subsistência terapêutico partilha cuidado (PE 20 201 COVID1 1 COVID- 2

Abstract This study aims to analyze the protective and destructive critical processes of 34 water women in the municipalities of Cabo de Santo de Agostinho and Ipojuca, Pernambuco, Brazil, from February/21 to August/22. The work process stages were systematized by the work flowchart, and we employed Breilh’s critical processes matrix to organize the data. The destructive processes identified in the general domain were injustice and socio-environmental vulnerability, such as the economic development model, the Suape Industrial Port Complex, the 2019 oil spill crime disaster, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the difficult access to public policies; in the particular domain: overloads and extended working hours, use of rudimentary equipment and tools, and unequal gender, class, and race relationships; in the singular domain: physical and mental illnesses and deaths. The protective processes identified in the general domain were sustainable development objectives, public health, and social assistance policies; in the particular domain, group work and processing, consumption for subsistence; in the singular domain, fishing as a therapeutic, pleasurable, and sharing process. The study highlighted the central issues of the water women and the need to establish public policies targeting their care. 3 Ipojuca Pernambuco Brazil February21 February 21 February/2 August22 August 22 August/22 flowchart Breilhs Breilh s data socioenvironmental socio environmental vulnerability model Complex 201 disaster COVID19 COVID 19 COVID-1 pandemic hours tools gender class relationships deaths objectives health processing subsistence therapeutic pleasurable care February2 2 February/ August2 August/2 20 COVID1 1 COVID- August/

ABSTRACT Background. The Veracruz coastal zone in Mexico has a vast coastline where different tourist (use of beaches), economic (urban-port, commercial, and gastronomic), social, cultural, and sports activities are carried out. In Mexico, the only regulation that refers to the quality of beaches is NMX-AA-120-SCFI-2016, in which the absence of fecal matter is determined as an indicator of its sanitary quality. However, the inadequate management of fecal material in recreational beaches compromises public health and contributes to water and sand quality deterioration. Objective. To evaluate the presence of parasitic forms of zoonotic importance in the sand of the beaches of the Veracruz-Boca del Río metropolitan area that affect the Veracruz Reef System National Park. Methods. A total of 100 samples of beach sand and 19 samples of fecal matter were taken in the period from June to October 2021. The analyzes were carried out at the Boca del Río Technological Institute/Aquatic Resources Research Laboratory by the Willis flotation technique and cup sedimentation. The presence of helminths was identified and quantified as bioindicators of fecal matter contamination. Results. Of the sand samples, 28 % were positive for parasitic forms with a recovery of 112 parasitic forms, of which 67.85 % correspond to parasites of the genus Strongyloides sp. and Hookworms. 32.35 % corresponds to non-pathogenic parasites for humans. Of the fecal matter samples collected, only 42.1 % showed positivity to the parasitized forms mentioned above. Conclusions. The presence of parasitic pathogenic forms in the sand samples indicates fecal contamination, which compromises the sanitary and environmental quality of the beach sand of the Veracruz-Boca del Río metropolitan area and the Veracruz Reef System National Park.

RESUMEN Antecedentes. La zona costera de Veracruz cuenta con un amplio litoral en donde se realizan diferentes actividades turísticas (uso de playas), económicas (urbano-portuario, comercial y gastronómico), sociales, culturales y deportivas. En México, la única norma que hace referencia a la calidad de playas es la NMX-AA-120-SCFI-2016, en la cual se determina la ausencia de materia fecal como indicador de su calidad sanitaria; sin embargo, el inadecuado manejo de la materia fecal canina en playas recreativas compromete la salud pública y contribuye al deterioro de la calidad del agua y arena. Objetivo. Evaluar la presencia de formas parasitarias de importancia zoonótica en arena de playas de la zona conurbada Veracruz-Boca del Río que inciden en el Parque Nacional Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano. Métodos. Se tomaron en total 100 muestras de arena de playa y 19 muestras de materia fecal en el período comprendido de junio a octubre de 2021. Los análisis se realizaron en el Instituto Tecnológico de Boca del Río/Laboratorio de Investigación de Recursos Acuáticos, por la técnica de flotación de Willis y sedimentación en copa. Se identificó y cuantificó la presencia de helmintos como bioindicadores de contaminación por materia fecal. Resultados. 28 % de las muestras fueron positivas a formas parasitarias con una recuperación de 112 formas parasitarias, de las cuales el 67.74 % corresponden a parásitos del género Strongyloides sp. y anquilostomídeos. El 32.35 % corresponde a parásitos no patógenos para el hombre. De las muestras de materia fecal recolectadas solo 42.1 % mostraron positividad a formas parasitadas mencionadas anteriormente. Conclusiones. La presencia de formas parasitarias patógenas en las muestras de arena es un indicio de contaminación fecal que pone en riesgo la calidad sanitaria y ambiental de las playas arenosas de la zona conurbada Veracruz-Boca del Río y del Parque Nacional Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano.

Reducing greenhouse gases is one of the commitments made by Chile in the Paris Agreement (2015), so port pollution is one of the issues to be resolved in order to comply with this international treaty. The present work intends to integrate green Hydrogen as fuel into the energy matrix of DP World Puerto Lirquén, considering for this: 1) substitute forklifts that use diesel for units with electric motorization, powered by Hydrogen batteries as fuel, 2) promote the use of green Hydrogen in tugboats that provide services in DP World Puerto Lirquén, through conversion of diesel engines to dual combustion, 3) ensure supply of green Hydrogen by installing an electrolysis plant to supply port equipment and 4) generate positive externalities in the population which would be reflected in education and training in clean energy concepts and the meaning of reducing greenhouse gases. For the above, four main aspects are developed: technical, economic, environmental, and social analysis, ending with a conclusion of the results of these analyses and their viability.

Reducir los gases de efecto invernadero está dentro de los compromisos contraídos por Chile en el Acuerdo de París (2015), por lo que la contaminación de los puertos es uno de los aspectos que resolver para cumplir este tratado internacional. El presente trabajo pretende integrar a la matriz energética de DP World Puerto Lirquén el Hidrógeno verde como combustible, considerando para esto: 1) sustituir las grúas horquillas que utilizan diésel por unidades con motorización eléctrica, alimentadas con pilas de Hidrógeno como combustible, 2) fomentar el uso de Hidrógeno verde en remolcadores que prestan servicios en DP World Puerto Lirquén, a través de reconversión de motores diésel a combustión dual, 3) asegurar suministro de Hidrógeno verde instalando una planta de electrólisis para abastecer equipos portuarios y 4) generar externalidades positivas en la población, las que se verían reflejadas en la educación y capacitación en conceptos de energías limpias y el significado de la reducción de gases de efecto invernadero. Para lo anterior, se desarrollan cuatro aspectos principales; análisis técnico, económico, ambiental y social, finalizando con una conclusión de los resultados de estos análisis y su viabilidad.

Abstract Enzymatic (glutathione S-transferase, GST and catalase, CAT) and histological biomarkers in S. herzbergii are important for the analysis of impacted estuaries in port regions of the Brazilian Amazon coast. Fish specimens were collected in two areas in the rainy and dry seasons: Porto Grande (potentially impacted region) and Ilha dos Caranguejos (less impacted region). Sediment samples were collected for chemical analysis. Morphometric, histological, and enzymatic biomarker analyzes were performed. The analysis of the sediments collected in the potentially impacted region showed levels of iron, aluminum and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons above the limits allowed by CONAMA legislation. Histological changes in the gills and liver, as well as GST and CAT activities, were high in fish collected at the port. Analyzes suggest that fish in the potentially impacted region are subject to pollutants that compromise their health. glutathione Stransferase, Stransferase S transferase, transferase S-transferase catalase coast seasons less region. . Morphometric performed iron legislation liver activities health

Resumo Biomarcadores enzimáticos (glutationa S-transferase, GST e catalase, CAT) e histológicos em S. herzbergii são importantes para a análise de estuários impactados em regiões portuárias da costa amazônica brasileira. Espécimes de peixes foram coletados em duas áreas nas estações chuvosa e seca: Porto Grande (região potencialmente impactada) e Ilha dos Caranguejos (região menos impactada). Amostras de sedimento foram coletadas para análise química. Análises morfométricas, histológicas e de biomarcadores enzimáticos foram realizadas. A análise dos sedimentos coletados na região potencialmente impactada mostrou teores de ferro, alumínio e hidrocarbonetos aromáticos policíclicos acima dos limites permitidos pela legislação do CONAMA. As alterações histológicas nas brânquias e no fígado, bem como as atividades de GST e CAT, foram elevadas nos peixes coletados no porto. As análises sugerem que os peixes da região potencialmente impactada estão sujeitos a poluentes que comprometem sua saúde. glutationa Stransferase, Stransferase S transferase, transferase S-transferase catalase CAT brasileira seca impactada. . química morfométricas realizadas ferro CONAMA fígado porto saúde

Anthropogenic noise in the oceans, including from shipping and seismic surveys, is of concern as it often adversely impacts marine life and biodiversity. It is considered to be the number-one ocean pollutant today. The authors review major international legal instruments regarding underwater noise as a marine pollutant and examine them in the South African context. The authors find, inter alia, that a distinction between substance-based pollution (such as chemical pollution) and energy-based pollution (such as noise) is currently lacking. It is also found that very little literature is available on the impacts of shipping and seismic noise on small fish, turtles and cetaceans, a state of affairs that calls for a precautionary approach. It is recommended: (1) South African legal instruments that regulate underwater noise should be revised and aligned with international legal frameworks; (2) more scientific research should be conducted on the cumulative impacts of shipping and seismic surveys on the South African marine environment; and (3) the public participation process should be effectively monitored to ensure full compliance with the requirement to consult all affected and interested persons. Doing so would have wider implications for developments in the western Indian Ocean region regarding shipping, port construction and seismic explorations.

ABSTRACT Water quality in ports can be affected by contamination from land and/or water. Cruise ships are floating cities with capacity for more than 5000 people, generating a large amount of wastewater. Cruise vessels have internationally regulated treatment plants, with different discharge quality standards. The aims of the current study were to evaluate the characteristics of cruise ships, their treatment plants and their possible impact on the water quality of the Port Buenos Aires, Argentina. Eight samplings were carried out between October 2018 and March 2019 in docks A, B and C, as well as in the Río de la Plata (RDP). In addition, information was collected from the cruise ships moored at the time of the sampling. Twenty-one cruise ships were registered, transporting more than 57 000 people. Dock B was the one that received the largest number of cruise ships (11) and passengers (39 562). The 90.5 % of the cruise ships comply with the MEPC.2 (VI) treatment regulations, 9.5 % with the MEPC.159 (55) and none with the MEPC.227 (64), the most restrictive. This might be related to the fact that the fleet that operates in this zone of South America is older than the one that operates in special zones with stricter legislation. Significant differences were observed between the quality of port water and the RDP, however, there is no evidence of a direct effect from the cruises. For future research, it is recommended to characterize the effluents from the treatment plants and their possible effect on the port water.

RESUMEN La calidad del agua en los puertos puede verse afectada por contaminación proveniente desde tierra y/o desde el agua. Los cruceros son verdaderas ciudades flotantes, con capacidad para más de 5000 personas, generando gran cantidad de aguas sucias. Los buques poseen plantas de tratamiento reguladas internacionalmente, con distintos estándares de calidad de descarga. El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar las características de los cruceros, de sus plantas de tratamiento y su posible impacto en la calidad del agua del Puerto Buenos Aires, Argentina. Se realizaron ocho muestreos entre octubre de 2018 y marzo de 2019 en las dársenas A, B y C del puerto y en el Río de la Plata (RDP), además se recopiló información de los cruceros amarrados al momento de los muestreos. Se censaron 21 cruceros, transportando más de 57 000 personas. La dársena B fue la que recibió mayor cantidad de cruceros (11) y personas a bordo (39 562). El 90.5 % de los cruceros cumplió con la normativa MEPC.2 (VI), el 9.5 % con la MEPC.159 (55) y ninguno con la MEPC.227 (64), la más restrictiva. Esto podría estar relacionado con que la flota que opera en esta zona de Sudamérica es más antigua que la que opera en zonas especiales con legislación más estricta. Se observaron diferencias significativas entre la calidad del agua portuaria y la del RDP. Sin embargo, no existe evidencia de un efecto directo por parte de los cruceros. Para futuras investigaciones se recomienda caracterizar los efluentes de las plantas de tratamiento y su posible efecto en el agua del puerto.

ABSTRACT The Santiago bay is considered the second most polluted in the country. Due to Covid-19, the productivity of the industries that surround it, and the port maritime transfer decreased. Therefore, the objective of the work is to identify the influence that the residuals of some industries had on the contamination of the bay in 2020. Eleven parameters indicative of contamination were determined, such as heavy metals, dissolved oxygen, suspended solids and turbidity. It can be ensured that the Fiber Cement, Erasol, Oil Refinery, Soy Processing, and Brewery companies are the ones that contribute the highest concentrations of pollutants to the waters of the bay and that the quality of the waters of the area studied does not meet the requirements for bathing or fishing areas according to current Cuban regulations.

RESUMEN La bahía santiaguera es considerada la segunda más contaminada del país. Debido a la Covid-19, la productividad de las industrias que la rodean, y el trasiego marítimo portuario disminuyó. Por ello, el objetivo del trabajo es identificar la influencia que tuvieron los residuales de algunas industrias en la contaminación de la bahía en el 2020. Se determinaron once parámetros indicativos de contaminación como metales pesados, oxígeno disuelto, sólidos suspendidos y turbiedad. Se puede asegurar que las empresas de Fibrocemento, ERASOL, Refinería de Petróleo, Procesadora de Soya, y Cervecería, son las que mayores concentraciones de contaminantes aportan a las aguas de la bahía y que la calidad de las aguas de la zona estudiada no cumple con los requisitos para zona de baño ni de pesca según las normas cubanas vigentes.

Resumo Este artigo analisa o impacto econômico das emissões de NO2 e PM10 (material particulado) de um complexo industrial no serviço ecossistêmico (SE) de diluição de poluentes na atmosfera. O Complexo Industrial e Portuário do Pecém (CIPP), Brasil, foi adotado como estudo de caso. A avaliação econômica do SE se baseia no aumento dos custos de saúde associados à maior incidência de rinite e eczema atópico em crianças e adolescentes. A população potencial sintomática foi calculada aproveitando sua relação com a concentração de NO2 e PM10. O impacto é monetizado usando o método de custo de reposição, comparando dois cenários: status quo e baixas emissões. As atividades desenvolvidas no CIPP resultam em um aumento de US $ 720 mil por ano nos gastos com saúde para a região. Esses custos representam um aumento de 70% nos custos relacionados às doenças analisadas.

Abstract This article analyzes the economic impact of industrial complex NO2 and PM10 (particulate matter) emissions on the ecosystem service (ES) of pollutant dilution in the atmosphere. To this end, the Pecém Industrial and Port Complex (CIPP), Brazil, was adopted as a case study. The ES economic valuation is based on increased healthcare costs associated with a higher occurrence of rhinitis and atopic eczema in adolescent children, derived from CIPP activities. The potential symptomatic population was calculated taking advantage of its relationship with the concentration of NO2 and PM10 pollutants. The monetization of the impact is carried out using the replacement cost method, comparing two scenarios: status quo and low emissions. The activities developed at the CIPP are found to result in an increase of US$ 720 thousand per year in health costs for the region. These costs represent a 70% increase in costs related to the diseases under analysis

Resumen Este artículo analiza el impacto económico de las emisiones de NO2 y PM10 (material particulado) de un complejo industrial en el servicio ecosistémico (SE) de la dilución de contaminantes en la atmósfera. Se adoptó como caso de estudio el Complejo Portuario e Industrial de Pecém (CIPP), Brasil. La valoración económica del SE se basa en el aumento de los costes sanitarios asociados a una mayor incidencia de rinitis y eccema atópico en niños y adolescentes. Se calculó la población sintomática potencial aprovechando su relación con la concentración NO2 y PM10. El impacto se monetiza mediante el método del costo de reposición, comparando dos escenarios: statu quo y bajas emisiones. Las actividades desarrolladas en el CIPP resultan en un aumento de US $ 720 mil por año en los costos de salud para la región. Estos costos representan un aumento del 70% en los costos relacionados con las enfermedades analizadas.

Resumen El siguiente artículo de investigación analiza la disminución del turismo nacional e internacional a lo largo de la zona Costera de Acapulco, originándose adversidades para los pobladores que sostienen su economía con base en dicha actividad y en la derrama económica del mismo. Actualmente con base en la teoría y empiría de la investigación existe una disminución considerable del turismo el cual que va en aumento, dicha información es ratificada y cuantificada con base en entrevistas formales a los habitantes y turistas, puntualizando que el crecimiento urbano desmedido y no regulado en las primeras fases del mismo es uno de los desencadenantes de dicha problemática, lo cual da como resultado aumento de basura, contaminación, inseguridad, violencia y diversas causas que se mencionan a lo largo del artículo. La inacción e indiferencia en mayor parte del Gobierno Municipal de Acapulco y del Estatal de Guerrero, mismos que incentivan las problemáticas antes mencionadas, por lo anterior se proponen medidas urgentes a dicha disminución en el puerto de Acapulco, aplicarse de manera urgente y eficaz siempre tomando en cuenta a la población ya que de lo contrario será muy probablemente en un futuro cercano un puerto olvidado y poco visitado.

Abstract The following article analyzes the decrease in national and international tourism along the Acapulco coastal zone, causing adversities for inhabitants who sustain their economy on said activity and its economic contribution. Currently, based on theoretical and empirical research, a considerable decrease in tourism activity has been evidenced. This finding is ratified and quantified based on formal interviews with residents and tourists that point to excessive and unregulated early-stage urban growth as one triggering causative factor as it increases the generation of municipal solid waste, pollution, insecurity, violence and many other negative consequences mentioned throughout the article. The inaction and indifference of the authorities, mainly that of the Municipal Government of Acapulco and the Government of the State of Guerrero, encourage the progression of the aforementioned damaging issues. In view of the above, urgent measures are proposed to counter the deceleration of tourism in the port of Acapulco, which are to be applied urgently and effectively, with main consideration of the population, since otherwise it will become a forgotten and scantly visited port in the near future.

Resumo O presente trabalho aborda a quantificação e a dispersão de poluentes atmosféricos no entorno de uma indústria siderúrgica em uma zona portuária do litoral do Nordeste Brasileiro (a Companhia Siderúrgica do Pecém, CSP), investigando alguns impactos sobre comunidades e ecossistemas locais. Para esta finalidade, foram analisados os parâmetros medidos pelas estações de monitoramento do órgão ambiental do estado do Ceará sobre os níveis da qualidade do ar no entorno da região onde se encontra instalada a indústria siderúrgica em questão e realizadas simulações matemáticas de dispersão de poluentes. As medidas foram feitas em duas posições: uma, onde se localiza a estação fixa de monitoramento; a outra, onde foi posicionada uma estação móvel por um período limitado. Dada a direção predominante dos ventos atuantes na região, verificou-se que a estação fixa não se mostra capaz de identificar a poluição produzida a partir da indústria siderúrgica, pois a mesma se encontra a barlavento das fontes poluentes. Observou-se em particular que as concentrações de material particulado e gás metano (CH4) apresentaram elevação entre as medidas das duas estações de monitoramento, a leste e a oeste da siderúrgica, indicando uma influência direta da instalação industrial na qualidade do ar na região.

Abstract The present work addresses the quantification and dispersion of atmospheric pollutants in the vicinity of a steel industry in a port area on the coast of Northeast Brazil (Companhia Siderúrgica do Pecém, CSP), addressing some impacts on local communities and ecosystems. For this purpose, the parameters measured by the monitoring stations of the environmental agency of the state of Ceará - Brazil, were analyzed on the levels of air quality around the region where the steel industry in question is installed and mathematical simulations of pollutant dispersion were carried out. The measurements were made in two positions: one, where the fixed monitoring station is located; the other, where a mobile station was placed for a limited period. Given the predominant direction of the winds operating in the region, it was found that the fixed station is not able to identify the pollution produced from the steel industry, as it is located windward from the polluting sources. In particular, it was observed that the concentrations of particulate material and methane gas (CH4) increased between the measurements of the two monitoring stations, east and west of the steel plant, indicating a direct influence of the industrial installation on the air quality in the region.

RESUMEN Las costas de Cuba están expuestas a sufrir los daños ocasionados por la contaminación por hidrocarburos. La franja costera de la bahía de Santiago de Cuba es ejemplo del deterioro de sus recursos naturales debido a esta contaminación, la cual se presenta como uno de sus principales problemas medioambientales. En el presente trabajo, empleando el método de cromatografía de gases, se realizó un análisis cuantitativo y cualitativo a partir de los valores del tiempo de retención y el área bajo las curvas del cromatograma, que permitió caracterizar el grado de contaminación en cuatro puntos de la bahía de Santiago de Cuba: playa La Estrella (P1), Puerto “Guillermón Moncada” (P2), Refinería de Petróleo “Hermanos Díaz” (P3), Central Termoeléctrica “Antonio Maceo” RENTE (P4). Se compararon los tiempos de retención de los picos individuales en cromatogramas de las muestras con varios patrones, obteniéndose así los tipos de hidrocarburos presentes en cada punto, siendo P2 y P4 los que mayor agentes contaminantes y concentración presentan por la altura de sus picos. El fuel oil resultó ser el agente más contaminante presente en la bahía.

ABSTRACT The coasts of Cuba are exposed to damage caused by the contamination by petroleum hydrocarbons. The coastal strip of the Gulf of Santiago de Cuba is an example of natural resources deterioration due to this contamination, which appears as one of its main environmental problems. In the present work, using gas chromatography, quantitative and qualitative analysis were performed based on the retention time values and the area under the chromatogram curve, which allowed characterizing the degree of contamination at four points of the bay of Santiago de Cuba: playa La Estrella (P1), “Guillermón Moncada” Port (P2) “Hermanos Díaz” Oil Refinery (P3), “Antonio Maceo” Thermoelectric Power Plant RENTE (P4). Retention times of individual peaks in chromatograms of individual samples with several standards, thus obtaining the types of hydrocarbons present at each point, with points P2 and P3 being the ones with the highest pollutant and the highest concentration by peak height. Fuel oil turned out to be the most polluting agent present in the bay.

Resumen El presente trabajo evaluó una serie de parámetros físicos y químicos para determinar la calidad del agua marina en los alrededores de la isla Uvita, Limón, Costa Rica, y determinar la posible influencia de las descargas procedentes del emisario submarino de la ciudad de Limón sobre el entorno marino circundante. Se evaluaron nutrientes (nitritos, nitratos, silicatos, fosfatos y amonio), metales pesados (plomo, cromo, níquel), sólidos (disueltos y sedimentables) y parámetros físicos (pH, temperatura, turbiedad, etc.). La zona de estudio se dividió en segmentos circundantes a la isla y se ubicaron 6 puntos de muestreo alrededor de la misma con el fin de comparar la calidad del agua de las áreas con mayor influencia del emisario con las de menor influencia. Se programaron tres actividades de muestreo: setiembre 2012 (época lluviosa), octubre 2012 (transición lluviosa-seca) y setiembre 2013 (época lluviosa). Los niveles de nutrientes, metales pesados, sólidos y parámetros físicos, se compararon con los reportados en la literatura para el Golfo de México y el Mar Caribe, encontrándose que, en general, eran mayores a los reportados en la literatura. En particular, los datos del último muestreo mostraron un incremento considerable en la concentración de los metales pesados (Pb, Cr y Ni), que podría ser atribuido a factores ajenos a las descargas del emisario como por ejemplo las operaciones portuarias y las actividades antropogénicas industriales, las cuales repercuten en la zona mencionada.

Abstract The present work evaluated a series of physical and chemical parameters to determine the quality of marine water in the surroundings of Uvita island, Limón, Costa Rica, and to determine the possible influence of the discharges coming from the submarine emissary of the city of Limón on the surrounding marine environment. Nutrients (nitrites, nitrates, silicates, phosphates and ammonium), heavy metals (lead, chromium, nickel), solids (dissolved and sedimentable) and physical parameters (pH, temperature, turbidity, etc.) were evaluated. The study area was divided into segments surrounding Uvita island, and 6 sampling points were located around the island in order to compare the water quality of the areas with greater emissary influence with those of less influence. Three sampling activities were scheduled: September 2012 (rainy season), october 2012 (rainy-dry transition) and september 2013 (rainy season). The levels of nutrients, heavy metals, solids and physical parameters were compared with those reported in the literature for the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, finding that, in general, they were higher than those reported in the literature. In particular, the last sampling data showed a considerable increase in the concentration of the heavy metals (Pb, Cr and Ni), which could be attributed to other factors outside the emissary’s discharges such as port operations and industrial anthropogenic activities, which impact on the aforementioned area.

BACKGROUND: Many impoverished communities in South Africa (SA) simultaneously face multiple preventable socioenvironmental hazards associated with elevated burdens of ill health. One such hazard is failure to institute effective buffer zones between human settlements and point sources of pollution such as airports and industrial zones.OBJECTIVES: To gather information on living conditions, housing quality and health status in two poor communities in the SA coastal industrial city of Port Elizabeth.METHODS: The study was undertaken in Walmer Township, situated in close proximity to Port Elizabeth International Airport, and Wells Estate, which borders two industrial sites. Approximately 120 households were randomly selected from each study site. Following written informed consent, information on the neighbourhood environment and housing conditions was collected through administration of a structured questionnaire.RESULTS: The two study sites were similar in respect of household language, income, education, high levels of debt servicing and high reliance on social grants. Relative to Walmer Township, higher levels of indoor dust and bad odours in the neighbourhood were reported in Wells Estate, as were higher rates of selected respiratory ill-health symptoms. Upper respiratory tract symptoms were significantly associated with reports of high levels of indoor dust, while lower respiratory tract symptoms were significantly associated with low income, overcrowding, and having a young child in the household.CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights a scenario of a triple environmental hazard to health in the study communities: (i) poverty; (ii) poor-quality housing; and (iii) lack of an effective buffer zone between the study communities and local point sources of pollution. Respiratory ill-health conditions were significantly associated with poverty, household composition and living conditions.